inspiration Archives - Page 11 of 29

Failure informs

artist book, collage, inspiration, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / Linda Germain / April 23, 2021

Every time things don’t work out as I had hoped, it is an opportunity for me to learn something.

I could learn:

I don’t really like that technique
I need more instructions
I could use some practice
Am I using the right tools?
Maybe I need more time
Is it possible with the way that I am approaching it?

I could ask those kinds of questions about almost any situation in life, art, business, family or well being.

And I think for me it is easier to fail, and asks those questions in the art area of my life. For some reason, I have let it be a process of discovery that includes lots of learning through “failing.”

I have said it before, but if I get two out of 10 prints that I love, then I consider that a success. And it usually takes learning something from those other 8 prints to get those prints that I love.

So it is important that I enjoy the process and not just the end result.

I have been doing stuff in sketchbooks lately. And I realized I wanted the end result faster, I wanted to finish the sketchbook. Hmmm? This was not me loving the process.

I tried different approaches:

Made smaller books
Tried different book forms
Carried it with me
Allowed myself to write, doodle, collage, paint, print, what ever

I have not found my happy sketchbook practice yet, but I am learning a lot in the process.

If you would like some guidance and support in Simplifying your gelatin prints, then join us in the online workshop –SIMPLIFY- make powerful gelatin prints. Get all the details on the workshop page.

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Things I have learned lately – Making ART

drawings, inspiration, mark making tools / Linda Germain / April 19, 2021

I recently participated in Karen Abend’s Sketchbook Revival. It was a free event with 28 generous teachers sharing ideas for making art in our sketchbooks.

I also did a class with Lewis Rossignol through Carla Sonheim Presents.

So I have taken in a lot of information and ideas about using a sketchbook. And I am starting to appreciate my style of drawing and mark making.

Let me share a few ideas that motivate me:

From Danny Gregory – Use up those art supplies – don’t let them be precious
From Carla Sonheim – Look more at the things I want to draw – notice the shapes, lines, etc
John Muir Laws – Count and observe and record like a scientist, in a curious way.
Play with sticks and ink from Helen Wells
I am willing to sit and listen for my daily message and write it in my sketchbook – thanks to Jessica Swift.
I love to “mess up” my sketchbook as encouraged by Lewis Rossignol.

If you are looking for support and encouragement and an online printmaking class, then check out the current classes.

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Play with Printmaking

inspiration, mark making tools, tools / Linda Germain / April 7, 2021

Things can get serious. So that is why I routinely remind myself to put some play back into my printmaking.

Sometimes I get hung up on results, process or materials.

To get a lighter fresh approach I:

Try a new technique – tiny eraser stamps above
Use simple or new tool – rusted paper below
Use my ten pieces of paper idea

If you have a child or grandchild to print with that can be a great way to loosen up and play.

It takes time to really let yourself get into the play mode. Sometimes I need to make a mess and a bunch of ugly prints along the way.

Yet, in the end something new usually emerges.

I hope I have encouraged you to put some play into your printmaking today. Enjoy!

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Boundaries create Space – art approach

inspiration / Linda Germain / January 7, 2021

Boundaries give you limited choices and then you figure out how to make things work.

What would be a boundary in gelatin printmaking?

Limit your stencils to 3 – 5
Work with only 2 colors
Print 3 layers or less

So often we are so excited to play with lots of stencils and mark making tools. And as a result our prints can be confusing and chaotic.

So as the physical excitement to use all your tools at once mellows, I challenge you to create a boundary for your next printmaking session. Pick something that supports your style. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but that when the magic starts to happen.

One way to impose boundaries is to join a class, then the teacher gives you exercises and assignments.

The 100 Print Project starts soon and is structured to guide you to take many small steps to create a 100 print installation. READ the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Ritual – end of the year

inspiration, monotype print / Linda Germain / December 27, 2020

I like to review my year in photos. I choose happy images that remind me of good times. Enjoy this 2 minute video.

Another ritual that I like to do from time to time:

Write down anything I want to let go of on a small slip of paper
Burn the troubles and paper in small jar
Give the ashes new life

Today, I wrote down everything from 2020 that I want to release and let go of.

And I had so many slips of paper that I was afraid that I would set off the smoke detectors/sprinkler system in my studio, if I burned them inside. So I headed to the beach.

The beach is a healing place for me. I walked out to Rye Ledge with my worries, some matches and a jar. The winds were light and the tide was low. And I set my 2020 worries free – up in smoke.

The final step will be to do something new with the remains. That will be for another day.

I encourage you to embrace a ritual of review, celebration and letting go! It may clear your energy for the new year.

Consider supporting your printmaking habit in 2021 – join us in the 100 Print Project, online printmaking class. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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